ICSA guidance for wind work

International Crane Stakeholders Assembly

New guidance titled Mobile Crane Ground Preparation for Wind Farm Construction has been published by the International Crane Stakeholders Assembly (ICSA).

It is a document approved at ICSA’s most recent meeting, on 15 June, and is available for free download from ICSA at: www.icsa-crane.org or from the websites of ICSA member organisations.

The guidance focuses on two construction areas. Access roads covers: ground bearing pressure for crane weight on the road; and route path, for example, swept path analysis to assist the determination of dimensional and clearance requirements for the crane path.

Crane working areas covers: suggestions on hardstand construction; ground bearing pressure for different lifting configurations; ground level requirements for crane working areas.

Road construction for transporting turbine components is not considered in the new guidance.

In the introduction the guidance says, “Since most of the vehicles used for wind farm applications are special-purpose vehicles or vehicles with heavy loads, the requirements and design standards of access roads and working areas should be specified by the controlling entity during the planning stage to ensure all construction activities can be conducted safely.”

The new guidance is the fourth published by the ICSA. The other guidance notes are as follows:

* Leaving mobile cranes unattended in partially erected mode

* Lifting a load with several mobile cranes (multiple crane or tandem lifting)

* Lifting people with mobile cranes.

All are available for free download from the ICSA website at www.icsa-crane.org

ICSA has seven members who represent crane users and manufacturers from Australia, Canada, Europe, Japan and the USA. The members are: Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM); Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA); Crane Rental Association of Canada (CRAoC); European association of abnormal road transport and mobile cranes (ESTA); European Federation of Material Handling (FEM); Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA); Japan Crane Association (JCA).

ICSA aims to facilitate information sharing and meaningful dialogue between crane industry stakeholders on safety, technical and regulatory issues of concern to the international crane industry. It promotes the harmonisation of international standards. It also provides an environment for, and encourages the creation of, networking opportunities between industry stakeholders and promote consensus positions on behalf of the crane industry on issues of common concern, so that ICSA members can make representation to relevant regulatory and standardisation bodies.